and Promptness—It will be easy to make great blunders if the business is not looked after with clear and sharp attention. Although the novice or apprentice may be energetic, if there is not in the various departments someone to oversee, someone who is properly qualified for his work, there will be failure in many respects. As the work grows, it will become impossible even occasionally to postpone jobs from (p.95) one date to another. What is not done in due time, be it in sacred or in secular matters, runs a great risk of not being done at all; in any case, such work can never be done so well as at the proper time.—Manuscript 24, 1887.
Each in His Proper Sphere—To every man God has appointed his work, according to his capacities and capabilities. Wise planning is needed to place each one in his proper sphere in the work, in order that he may obtain an experience which will fit him to bear increased responsibility.—Letter 45, 1889.
Work Like Disciplined Army—Let us remember that we are laborers together with God. We are not wise enough to work by ourselves. God has made us His stewards, to prove us and to try us, even as He proved and tried ancient Israel. He will not have His army composed of undisciplined, unsanctified, erratic soldiers, who would misrepresent His order and purity.—The Review and Herald, October 8, 1901.
Genius to Plan and Work—Genius is wanted, ability to devise and plan and work harmoniously. We want those who will labor, not merely to benefit themselves, receiving all they can get for their work, but who will labor with an eye single to the glory of God, for the rapid carrying forward of the work in various lines. This is a precious opportunity to reveal their devotion to the Lord’s work, and their capability for it. To every man is given his work, not for the purpose of glorifying himself, but for the glory of God.—Manuscript 25, 1895.
Wise Planning Saves Overwork—I must urge that the workers shall have their work so planned that they will not become wearied by overwork.—Letter 17, 1902. (p.96)
The Evangelistic Company
Organization of Companies Called For—God says, “Enter the cities. Give the inhabitants of these cities the call to prepare for the coming of the Lord.”...
Many in the cities are still without the light of the gospel message. Those who neglect to sound forth the last message of warning will in the future suffer deep regret. My message is, “Let companies be organized to enter the cities. Seek proper locations for holding meetings. Circulate our literature. Make earnest efforts to reach people.”—Letter 106, 1910.
Corps of Workers in Every Large City—In every large city there should be a corps of organized, well-disciplined workers; not merely one or two, but scores should be set to work....
Each company of workers should be under the direction of a competent leader, and it should ever be kept before them that they are to be missionaries in the highest sense of the term. Such systematic labor, wisely conducted, would produce blessed results.—Medical Ministry, 300, 301 (1892).
Varied Talents Needed—The Lord desires that the cities shall be worked by the united efforts of laborers of different capabilities. All are to look to Jesus for direction, not depending on man for wisdom, lest they be led astray.—Testimonies For The Church 9:109 (1909).
Well-trained Companies—There should be companies organized, and educated most thoroughly to work as nurses, as evangelists, as ministers, as canvassers, as gospel students, to perfect a character after the divine similitude.—Testimonies For The Church 9:171, 172 (1909).
Generalship Sets Men to Work—Let every man work who can work. The very best general is not the one who does the most work himself, but one who will (p.97)
Importance of Prayerful Counseling
Meeting the Issues With Counsel and Prayer—There must be something ventured, and some risks run by those on the field of battle. They must not in every movement feel that they must receive orders from headquarters. They must do the best they can under all circumstances, all counseling together with much earnest prayer to God for His wisdom. There must be union of effort.—Letter 14, 1887. Frequent Councils—In connection with the proclamation of the message in large cities, there are many kinds of work to be done by laborers with varied gifts. Some are to labor in one way, some in another.... As laborers together with God, they should seek to be in harmony with one another. There should be frequent councils, and earnest, whole-hearted co-operation. Yet all are to look to Jesus for wisdom, not depending upon men alone for direction.—Testimonies For The Church 9:109 (1909).
Brother Consult With Brother—As workers we need to counsel together over difficult matters. It is right that brother should consult with brother. And it is our privilege after we have done this, to bow together in prayer and ask for divine wisdom and counsel. But for one human voice to be a controlling power is a sad mistake.—Letter 186, 1907.
Defects Revealed—In the work of the laborers there should be a counseling together. No one is to strike out on his own independent judgment, and work according to his own mind, unless he has a treasury of (p.98) his own from which to draw.... I have been shown that the management of the work must not be trusted to inexperienced hands. Those who have not had breadth of experience are not the ones to take large responsibilities, although they may think themselves qualified to do so. Their brethren may see defects where they themselves see only perfection.—The Review and Herald, December 8, 1885.
Ministers to Take Time to Pray—I am drawn out to call upon our people to make every effort to save souls. We need increased faith. The hearts of our church members should be drawn out in prayer for those who are preaching the gospel. And ministers must take time to pray for themselves and for the people of God, whom they are appointed to serve.—Letter 49, 1903.
Prayer Seasons Bring Encouragement—As workers, let us seek the Lord together. Of our own selves we can do nothing; but through Christ we can do all things. God intends that we shall be a help and blessing to one another, and that we shall be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.... God lives and reigns; and He will give us all the help we need. It is our privilege at all times to draw strength and encouragement from His blessed promise, “My grace is sufficient for you.”—Historical Sketches, p. 129. (1886).
Unity in Diversity
God’s Plan in a Diversity of Gifts—In all the Lord’s arrangements, there is nothing more beautiful than His plan of giving to men and women a diversity of gifts. The church is His garden, adorned with a variety of trees, plants, and flowers. He does not expect (p.99) the hyssop to assume the proportions of the cedar, nor the olive to reach the height of the stately palm. Many have received but a limited religious and intellectual training, but God has a work for this class to do if they will labor in humility, trusting in Him.—Letter 122, 1902.
Characters as Varied as the Flowers—From the endless variety of plants and flowers,
